AboutMichael Hoffman Expertise I have been a golf professional since 1981. I was elected into the PGA in 1987. I attained my master clubfitter certificate in 1992. I have given thousands of lessons over the years and I can answer questions about instruction, golf in general, rules, equipment, practice techniques etc.
I have served served on the board of directors of the Southern Texas PGA for twelve years and was the President from 2002-2003.
Experience I started as as assistant golf professional in 1981. I have been a head golf professional at several clubs as well as the general manager at two clubs. I am master clubfitter and have given many individual as well as group lessons over the years. I was the President of the Southern Texas PGA 4 years ago. I have been a rules official for the tour qualifying school as well as other events. I have won the Merchandiser of the year award in our section twice.
Question Situation: A lot of players at my local course do not repair the bunker after they have played resulting in the next guy in the bunker having to contend with footprints, splash outs ect. Is it ever permissible to fix footprints that will interfere with your being able to hit your ball from a bunker. Hope the question makes sense and I know that the right thing would be for everyone to rake the bunker when they are done playing from it.
Answer Reson,
No it's not permissible to touch the sand with a rake, club or any object prior to hitting the sand with your club head on your downswing. Touching the sand with the rake would be considered "testing" the sand resulting in a two stroke penalty.
Hopefully the word will get out at your club and the players will start doing the courteous thing by raking the bunker after they hit out of it.
Thanks for the question and good luck with the players at your club,
